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11-10-2010, 07:53 AM | #1 |
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Boat improvements
Anyone planning any boat improvements this off-season? I have a few things planned.
I will be having my cockpit cover re-stitched. It's done well for 10 years, and I hope to get at least another 5 out of it. I need to have the cushions in the V-Berth of my cuddy re-upholstered. I was thinking of adding thickness to them as well. They are rather thin and headroom is a non-issue. I am adding a second set of trim tab switches at my helm. The factory set is hard to reach when standing and I tend to stand more than sit when operating my boat. The new switches are completely waterproof, mil-spec and cost me only $14 on ebay. The original Bennett switch pair has a complete extra set of connections on the back that are perfect for adding a parallel set of switches. I will be having my propellers refurbished. I dinged them over the Summer. I may upgrade my audio system so that I can play music from an Ipod. |
11-10-2010, 12:14 PM | #3 |
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Sounds like fun DaveR. I don't have any real plans yet but I've thought about underwater lights. Still on the fence as they really add nothing but "gee whiz"
A couple comments on your plans: I hear great things about the memory foam for sleeping cushions. My boat has an inner spring mattress, it's still only about 4 or 5 inches thick. That would be the best solution but pretty pricey. Be careful with the trim tab switches, I haven't look at a schematic in a while but I remember that in some setups you could pop a fuse/breaker with you went up on one tab simultaneously with down on the other tab. Basically it shorted +12 to ground. Either the switches physically prevent this or the wiring has changed. My stereo has a aux input that has the three wire mini jack. this is OK to use with and Ipod, you can hear good quality audio. But you cannot control the Ipod through the stereo. I set up playlists and just let them run. You might check with Crutchfield, they have kits for some radios to have actual Ipod control from the radio. I might be easier just to get another stereo. Have Fun |
11-10-2010, 12:59 PM | #4 |
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going to be getting some buttons and restiching done on the covers and hopefully, hopefully enough in the budget to get the boat detailed in and out. She really needs it. the whole nine yards!
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11-10-2010, 02:23 PM | #5 |
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11-10-2010, 03:04 PM | #6 | |||
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Quote:
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My typical trim tab situations: 1. I run them both all the way down at the same time before taking off from a dead start, both all the way up at the same time once on-plane, then I make tiny adjustments one at a time as needed to keep the boat level. 2. I run them both all the way down when underway in anticipation of slowing dramatically, but with the intention of staying on-plane. Quote:
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11-10-2010, 03:07 PM | #7 |
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I have a full camper canvas, with about 2 million snaps, and carry a snap replacement kit on the boat all the time. If you ever need a snap replaced, ping me. I can put them in in no time, on the water.
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11-10-2010, 05:13 PM | #8 |
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Just had new canvas done and having new engine put in this winter.
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11-10-2010, 05:39 PM | #9 |
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Since my boat is now 22 years old, most everythings been redone already. Interior, dash(instruments& panels),engines, drives, bimini and enclosure, hydraulic steering.
Spring will see a new cockpit cover since the present one is eight years old and stitching is beginning to break. Exterior still looks new since I just spent three days waxing and buffing
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11-10-2010, 06:32 PM | #10 |
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11-10-2010, 07:45 PM | #11 | ||
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I bought a "new" 1988 Four Winns 180 Horizon in Sept and am doing a lot of cosmetic work on it for the winter. Right now the bow & stern seats are out for new upolstery. I have added a new bimini top, cleaned a lot and vacuumed up many acorns, ty-wraps, wires and screws dropped by previous "workers" from the bilge. I have tightened many screws, replaced bad ones and repaired damaged screw holes. Cleaned and re-oiled all of the teak.
This weekend at the urging of a friend I will be trying some wet sanding on the sides of the boat. It is dull from years of sun exposure and is maroon in color.
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11-10-2010, 07:58 PM | #12 |
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Repair cockpit cover,new moring cover, injector upgrades, stereo upgrade,a few new PFDs to replace aging ones,and complete tune-up and drive service. That should do it for me.
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11-10-2010, 08:27 PM | #13 | |
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11-10-2010, 08:40 PM | #14 |
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Yikes... Where to begin
Wow.. I have a list and I am just focusing on saving $ for the spring to do it all...
Well on the trailer.. Hit a deer mangeling the fender on the way to VA so first replace that. Also found a break line that came unhooked on the left wheel breaks, so replace or fix that. My cabin power is acting up.. Fix that Fix my compass. The new GPS compass did not show pos or neg terminals. So I had a 50/50 guess. Guessed wrong. Now my S points N and vice versa. Put in a new winshield Replace wind flaps My RPM gauge flutters. Fix that. Install 2 new speakers Install 2 new amps and inline fuse Hook Speedometer to new GPS with cable Install Sony Sender to stereo Install snap on Bathroom door so it doesn't open at high speed / waves Sent Prop to b-blades for tune up Have some upholestry fixed Buy poncho's and paintball masks to keep onboard. (some day get caught in a thunderstorm, running a poker run, in 6 foot waves, in a boat doing 60 mph +, with no windshield) before you ask me why! LOL That should be good for now.. At least the engine is tip top this year.
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11-10-2010, 08:42 PM | #15 | |
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we can talk soon and we can go over some ideas....
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11-10-2010, 08:44 PM | #16 |
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I'll be having broken/missing snaps replaced and some stitching repaired on the bow and cockpit covers, and getting new camper canvas. Would love to justify a good interior detailing before we launch in April. Always plan and say I'm going to do it, but never seem to find the time.
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11-10-2010, 09:01 PM | #17 |
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11-11-2010, 08:22 AM | #18 |
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11-11-2010, 08:26 AM | #19 | |
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Better yet, if you want we can get together some weekend and give it a try. Everything is in my garage while OCD is away. I'd be happy to come by and see how it would work. Wet Sanding is the LAST option I would ever consider.
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11-11-2010, 08:32 AM | #20 |
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Some of the
I'm planning some of the same upgrades as you all, new stereo, new GPS, upgraded swim platform setup, new bow seating area, upgrade the head compartment and passenger seating, adding a bunch of storage...
Of course, I'm also planning to add about 2ft of length, 8 or so inches of freeboard, a larger motor with like 55 additional horsepower too. |
11-11-2010, 09:13 AM | #21 |
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Engine Hatch
This year, I will be replacing the upholstery on the engine hatch. Tim's Tops and Trims in Laconia did a great job in the past. Previous owner of the boat replace the factory vinyl with cheap vinyl and it shows. Big time! Tim will be replacing with original vinyl. He will be using Tenara thread that will last a lot longer than the original.
I had replaced the speakers last winter with the DC Gold waterproof speakers. They sound fantastic with new JBL marine unit. The original speakers were Babb speakers, no longer in production. The cones seperated from the frame after 21 years of use! The Blaupunkt unit is still good but plays tapes only. Upgrade to a CD unit with Ipod jack and 180 watts. Check out www.rocktheboataudio.com for price comparison.
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11-11-2010, 09:55 AM | #22 |
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Nothing major. Just tires, bearings and batteries.
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11-11-2010, 10:35 AM | #23 | |
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Sure you can compound and/or sand and make it look really good, but it will fade right back in less than a season. Even if you keep it waxed. That gel coat is 23 years old with 23 year old technology and pigments. My advice, either: 1) Live with it, give it a quick once over and then just enjoy the boat. 2) Look at the Poliglow solution. It's a shiny coating that you paint on and it looks good for a while. It's controversial, so do the research. 3) Have the boat painted. This is the best permanent solution. |
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11-11-2010, 09:18 PM | #24 |
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Changing to bigger injectors better suited for E-10 and if and when they go to E-15. Takes more fuel to get same performance so called Arizona Speed and Marine.
Last edited by robmac; 11-11-2010 at 09:19 PM. Reason: spelling |
11-12-2010, 02:07 AM | #25 |
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For boaters with the Ipod stereo issue
Overview - Compare prices - Reviews - Details - Related items
$245 new from 41 sellers 2 reviews Marine Stereo For iPod MS-IP600 Delivering a new modern styling and enhanced remote bus technology, the 600 series is an evolution on the award winning features found in the 500 series. Incorporating an intelligent user memory, FUSION's latest Alpha Add to Shopping List I just put this Fusion stereo in last summer. It holds most of the modern Ipods right inside and makes the face of the radio the controls for all the Ipod's functions. It is a very convenient idea but i am not sure how much I like it yet. We have a nano and an Ipod classic and so far it is difficult to get either of them to seat within the radio. the radio itself is somewhat weak wattage wise. The jury is still out but if someone was hell bent on getting a Ipod ready stereo this is one option. Also, was thinking of having work done to the due props. i get vibration when I power through a turn. I am an inexperienced boater so I can't accurately diagnose the problem so if anyone has any thoughts feel free to share them. HCG |
11-12-2010, 04:07 AM | #26 |
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Have you had your drive aligned and checked the gimball bearing. Prop you'd get vibration all of the time. Just a thought.
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11-12-2010, 06:37 AM | #27 | |
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I am not intending to sand a whole heck of a lot either as I do not want to go through the gelcoat. I also do not have the stamina I used to for sanding for long periods of time anyway. The boat will be rack stored this summer so any improvement in the appearance I get will last a little longer since sun & water exposure will be far less than if I had it in a slip. My last Four Winns (1989) was the same color and with some mid season maintinace with 3M's color restorer and a buffer it looked very good. I will let everyone know how it comes out.
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11-12-2010, 07:33 AM | #28 |
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That Fusion unit is a very good unit, love the setup. I balked last year at an upgrade, primarily because I hate installs and wiring My transom remote is a Kenwood, which does work with their new iPod ready head unit. So I might just get that installed before summer.
My winterization this year included some spring items like new anodes, impeller, etc.. So after paying $1400 for everything including storage and shrink wrap , it slowed down my lust for boating upgrades. My favorite upgrade would have been adding a foot and a half to the beam and another 6' to the length, but that's just not going to happen. May seems so far off right now |
11-13-2010, 05:26 PM | #29 | |
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11-13-2010, 06:48 PM | #30 |
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11-13-2010, 09:39 PM | #31 |
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11-15-2010, 06:56 PM | #32 |
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11-15-2010, 08:04 PM | #33 |
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11-16-2010, 01:16 PM | #34 |
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How Big?
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11-17-2010, 04:51 AM | #35 |
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11-17-2010, 10:30 AM | #36 |
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Assuming it's the newer style DP, it's very similar to a Mercuiser. The link below makes it seem much more complicated than it is, bus great photos.
http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=108297 Rather than using a motorcycle jack to adjust the height of the drive, I adjust the height of my boat transom with the trailer jack. I made a simple drive stand out of scrap lumber that sits on a mechanic's creeper and the drive height is fixed. The creeper has great casters that let the drive move in any direction easily and is really cheap to buy. If it's an older DP, the process is a bit more complicated. |
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11-17-2010, 04:19 PM | #37 |
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refinnishing teak swim platform
great thread topic...i have stripped the old varnish, sanded it and am preparing to apply deks oljey....here is the question..do i apply anything to the bottom of the swim platform?
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